Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Lara Croft were among the cast of characters who took to the streets to collect money for The Argus Christmas Appeal.

The Argus staff spent yesterday afternoon walking around Brighton and Hove, dressed in a variety of costumes in their bid to raise cash for the elderly and needy.

The appeal is in its 44th year and is a registered charity, donating every penny it raises to those in Sussex who need it most.

The city's public gave generously, greeting the bizarrely-clothed staff with a mixture of intrigue and amusement. The walk raised a total of £900.

Last year, a similar total contributed to more than £70,000 raised through dozens of events held for the appeal throughout the year.

Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "Our aim this year was to raise a minimum of £50,000 but on Christmas Eve we hope to be able to announce a record total.

"The walk is an opportunity for our advertisers and staff to do their bit.

"We help people all-year round. Last year, we helped 1,500 families, pensioners and children at Christmas."

Pupils from Patcham High School were among those giving money to charity collectors in London Road.

Roxanne Handley, 12, who made a donation to a volunteer dressed as a jester, said: "I think they look really great and I hope they raise a lot of money.

"They are all really funny."

The staff, who left The Argus's Hollingbury offices at noon on a bus provided free by Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, toured the city and ended their collection at Hector's House, in Grand Parade.

Paul Williams, the bus company's operations manager, said: "It's nice for us to be able to lend a hand.

"The company is happy to help raise money for those who are not so fortunate at this time of year."

All the appeal's running costs are covered by The Argus, which means all money raised benefits local charities, provides hampers for the elderly this Christmas and helps individual worthy causes.

Kate Alleston, who helped organise the walk, said: "All the staff have had a great time. It's nice to get dressed up once a year and help the people of Sussex.

"Hopefully, this will be a record year for the appeal."